The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – March 2, 2015
 

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, FEBRUARY 27, 2015….. The annual legislative session will start Tuesday, setting the stage for 60 days of action in the Capitol. But part of the action during the coming week will happen across the street from the Capitol. The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in a fierce legal battle about whether lawmakers violated the state Constitution when they drew congressional districts.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

GRAYSON BACKS IMMIGRATION CHANGES: U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., will appear in Central Florida to support President Obama's executive actions on immigration. (Sunday, 1 p.m., Hope Community Center, 1016 North Park Ave., Apopka.)

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015

Legislature:

SECRET RECORDINGS AT ISSUE: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will take up a proposal (SB 542), filed by Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, that would allow children under age 18 to secretly record conversations involving people who have abused them or are potential abusers. The bill stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling last year that ordered a new trial for a man sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing his stepdaughter. Justices ruled that recordings made by the stepdaughter should not have been allowed into the trial. (Monday, 1 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

'FOOD DESERTS' TARGETED: The Senate Agriculture Committee will consider a bill (SB 610), filed by Sen. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, that would offer tax credits to businesses that sell substantial amounts of healthy food in low-income areas known as "food deserts." (Monday, 1 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

BILL WOULD SET PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY: The House Rules, Calendar & Ethics Committee will take up a proposal (PCB RCEC 15-05) that calls for holding presidential primary elections on the third Tuesday in March. In 2016, that would mean the primary would be held March 15. (Monday, 4 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee (Monday, 1 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Finance and Tax Committee (Monday, 1 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

HEARING TO BE HELD ON POT RULE: The Florida Department of Health will hold a hearing about a proposed rule to carry out a new law allowing limited types of medical marijuana. (Monday, 8 a.m., Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee.)

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TAX TALLIED: The Revenue Estimating Conference will take up issues such as the communications-services tax. (Monday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

CHILD ABUSE DEATH PANEL HOLDS CALL: The Florida State Child Abuse Death Review Committee will hold a conference call as it seeks ways to reduce child-abuse deaths. (Monday, 11 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Code: 7021700355.)

DOT WORK PROGRAM AT ISSUE: The Florida Transportation Commission will take up issues such as the Department of Transportation's tentative work program. (Monday, 1 p.m., Florida Department of Transportation, 605 Suwannee St., Tallahassee.)

EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE DISCUSSED: The Self-Insurance Estimating Conference will analyze state-employees health insurance. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

'IBUDGETS' AT ISSUE: The Agency for Persons with Disabilities will hold a meeting about "iBudgets" which are used in funding services for people with developmental disabilities. The meeting will focus on a mathematical formula, or algorithm, used in the iBudget system. (Monday, 2 p.m., Agency for Persons with Disabilities, 4030 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AT ISSUE: Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to take part in a meeting of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking. (Monday, 2:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

Legislature:

2015 SESSION STARTS: The 60-day legislative session will start, with the House meeting at 9:30 a.m. and the Senate convening at 10 a.m. The chambers then will go into joint session at 11 a.m.

GREYHOUND INJURIES AT ISSUE: The full Senate is expected to take up a bill (SB 2), filed by Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, that would require reports to be filed with the state about injuries to racing greyhounds. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

CHARTER SCHOOL CHANGES DISCUSSED: The House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee will take up a proposal (PCB CIS 15-01) that would make a series of changes involving the funding and accountability of charter schools and would create the Florida Institute for Charter School Innovation at Florida State University. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

PLAN AIMED AT INCREASING ADOPTIONS: The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a bill (HB 7013), filed by Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, that would provide incentives to try to increase the adoption of foster children. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

SENATORS TARGET DATE FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY: The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee will consider a plan (SPB 7036) that would lead to holding presidential primary elections on the third Tuesday in March. In 2016, that would mean the primary would be held March 15. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

VETERANS NURSING HOMES AT ISSUE: The House Health Innovation Subcommittee will take up a bill (PCB HIS 15-01) that would create a site-selection process for new veterans' nursing homes. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resource Subcommittee (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Business & Professions Subcommittee (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Transportation & Ports Subcommittee (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Judiciary Committee (Tuesday, 4 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Higher Education & Workforce Subcommittee (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Local Government Affairs Subcommittee (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

HD 13 RESULTS CERTIFIED: The state Elections Canvassing Commission will meet to certify the results of a Feb. 17 special election in Duval County's House District 13. Rep. Reggie Fullwood, D-Jacksonville, won the election. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

TRANSPORTATON ISSUES DISCUSSED: The Florida Transportation Commission will hold a workshop that will include discussion of the commission's initiatives for 2015. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Florida Department of Transportation, 605 Suwannee St., Tallahassee.)

FINANCIAL AID AT ISSUE: The Education Estimating Conference will dig into student financial-aid issues. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

UTILITY REGULATORS TO MEET: The Florida Public Service Commission will meet and take up issues such as the extension of a territorial agreement involving Duke Energy Florida and Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Columbia, Lafayette, Madison and Suwannee counties. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

COLLEGES UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: The Education Estimating Conference will analyze issues involving Florida colleges. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

Legislature:

PRISON REFORMS EYED: The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a wide-ranging bill (SB 7020), filed by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, that is aimed at improving prison safety and ensuring that corrections officers don't mistreat inmates. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

PANEL CONSIDERS DISABILITY ISSUES: The Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a series of proposals (SB 642, SB 644, SB 152, SB 7030 and SB 602) that are largely directed at improving educational opportunities for people with disabilities and trying to boost disability-awareness in schools. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

SENATORS TAKE UP RURAL LETTER CARRIERS BILL: The Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a a bill (SB 160), filed by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, that would allow rural letter carriers to deliver mail without wearing seat belts. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

NATURAL SPRINGS DISCUSSED: The Senate General Government Appropriations Subcommittee will receive a presentation from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services about the state's natural springs. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

KIDCARE FOR IMMIGRANTS AT ISSUE: The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a proposal (SB 294), filed by Chairman Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, that would help "lawfully residing" immigrant children get health care through the KidCare subsidized insurance program. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE LOOKS AT HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE LIMITS: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will consider a bill (SB 784), filed by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, that takes aim at coverage limits by health insurers. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

TOTING GUNS DURING EMERGENCIES DEBATED: The Senate Community Affairs Committee will take up a proposal (SB 290), filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, that would allow gun owners without concealed-weapons licenses to legally carry their guns when emergency evacuation orders are issued. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

COLLEGE JOB SEARCHES AT ISSUE: The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee will take up a bill (SB 182), filed by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, that would partially exempt information about applicants for the jobs of university or college president, provost or dean from the state's open-records laws. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

HEALTH CARE COVERAGE DISCUSSED: The Senate Health Policy Committee will hold a workshop to discuss possible options for expanding health-care coverage, including a plan known as "A Healthy Florida Works." (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

LAWMAKERS TAKE AIM AT TESTING: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee will consider a proposal (SB 616), filed by Chairman John Legg, R-Lutz, that would make changes in the state's standardized testing system, including capping the amount of time students spend on state and local tests. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

PANEL DIGS INTO SPRINGS BILL: The Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee will hold a workshop on a bill (SB 918), filed by Chairman Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, that would increase protections for many natural springs. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol)

OTHER SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Education Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Criminal Justice Subcommittee (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health Quality Subcommittee (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Veteran & Military Affairs Subcommittee (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Democratic Caucus (Wednesday, noon, 228 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Civil Justice Subcommittee (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Government Operations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Highway & Waterway Safety Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 116 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House K-12 Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Rulemaking Oversight & Repeal Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Regulated Industries Committee (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House floor session (Wednesday, 4 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

Also:

SUPREME COURT HEARS REDISTRICTING FIGHT: The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in three cases, including a long-running legal battle about the constitutionality of congressional districts drawn up by the Legislature. Voting-rights groups argue the lawmakers violated a constitutional amendment aimed at preventing gerrymandering. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

CABINET AIDES TO MEET: Aides to Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater will meet to discuss issues in advance of a March 10 Cabinet meeting. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

PROPERTY TAXES TALLIED: The Revenue Estimating Conference will look at ad valorem, or property tax, numbers. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

PAROLE CASES HEARD: The Florida Commission on Offender Review will hear arguments in numerous parole cases involving crimes committed in the 1970s and 1980s. (Wednesday 9 a.m., 4070 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

BOARD OF MEDICINE TO DISCUSS RECORDS ISSUE: The Florida Board of Medicine will hold a conference call to discuss an issue about the costs of reproducing medical records. (Wednesday, noon. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Code: 125-528-7056.)

MEDICAID AT ISSUE: The Social Services Estimating Conference will analyze Medicaid long-term expenditures and counties' Medicaid share. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

CALDWELL TO DISCUSS WATER AT CHAMBER EVENT: House State Affairs Chairman Matt Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers, is expected to serve on a panel discussing the state's water future as part of the Florida Chamber of Commerce's "Capitol Days." (Wednesday, Chamber welcome event at 2 p.m., water panel at 2:30 p.m., Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

RED MASS TO DRAW BISHOPS, STATE LEADERS: Catholic bishops will celebrate the annual Red Mass, which is expected to draw state leaders. Among the participants in the Mass are expected to be Rep. MaryLynn Magar, R-Tequesta, and Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 900 West Tennessee St., Tallahassee.)

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Legislature:

SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Education Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health & Human Services Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Local & Federal Affairs Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Regulatory Affairs Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee (Thursday, 9 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Fiscal Policy Committee (Thursday, 9 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Rules Committee (Thursday, 9 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Transportation Committee (Thursday, 9 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Appropriations Committee (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Finance & Tax Committee (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Appropriations Committee (Thursday, 1 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House floor session (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

Also:

FAMU TRUSTEES TO MEET: The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet in Orlando after holding committee meetings Wednesday. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., FAMU College of Law, 201 Beggs Ave., Orlando.)

JUDGE TO FACE REPRIMAND: The Florida Supreme Court will take up four issues, including a reprimand for Polk County Judge Susan B. Flood, who was alleged to have been involved in an "inappropriate relationship" with her court bailiff. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

USF TRUSTEES TO MEET: The University of South Florida Board of Trustees will meet. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Marshall Student Center Ballroom, the University of South Florida, Tampa.)

SUPREME COURT RELEASES OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is expected to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)

STATE LEADERS AT CHAMBER EVENT: Top state leaders will speak during the Florida Chamber of Commerce's "Capitol Days" event. Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Attorney General Pam Bondi and state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater are expected to speak during lunch. Later in the day, the event is expected to include House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island; Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando; Senate Majority Leader Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton; and House Majority Leader Dana Young, R-Tampa. (Thursday, event starts at 8:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m. and legislative leaders at 2:15 p.m., Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

VOLUNTARY PRE-K AT ISSUE: The Early Learning Programs Estimating Conference will delve into the voluntary pre-kindergarten program. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Legislature:

SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Judiciary Committee (Friday, 10 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House State Affairs Committee (Friday, 10 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

ETHICS COMMISSION TO MEET: The Florida Commission on Ethics will meet and is expected to take up a series of issues, including a case involving Rep. Marlene O'Toole, R-Lady Lake. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 1940 North Monroe St., Tallahassee.)

EDUCATION CONSTRUCTION MONEY DISCUSSED: The Revenue Estimating Conference will take up the Public Education Capital Outlay, or PECO, program, which helps pay for educational facilities. (Friday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

TRANSPORTATION DOLLARS AT ISSUE: The Revenue Estimating Conference will consider transportation revenue. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

FSU TRUSTEES TO MEET: The Florida State University Board of Trustees will meet. (Friday, 1 p.m., Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

CHRISTIE TO SPEAK TO PALM BEACH GOP: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will be the keynote speaker during the Republican Party of Palm Beach County's Lincoln Day Dinner. (Friday, 7 p.m., The Mar-a-Lago Club, 1100 South Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach.)